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The Blackhawk War BY HENRY LITTLE, 1875
In that trying emergency no time was to be lost. He therefore immediately sought out a man of good report, and in every respect competent, and one whom he might entrust with such an important embassy. In due time he arrived at Mr. Wells's log cabin, and very politely demanded that they should deliver up those six rifles to him, to be conveyed to his master. But the Messrs. Wells, being of very obstinate and unyielding turn of mind, had the audacity to flatly refuse a compliance with that gracious and reasonable request. The messenger therefore returned and reported in accordance with the facts.
But the report, instead of removing or curing the evil, only increased it most intensely. It was like the flaming torch to the dry stubble. That which before had depended upon mere conjecture, or suspicion, was now reduced to a certainty, and the addition of contempt, by a disregard of such high authority, had by no means modified or excused such a heinous offense as that of a
private citizen presuming to own and control a few rifles. If the Messrs. Wells had been well disposed people, and entitled to confidence, and having no evil intentions, would they not have manifested it by giving up these dangerous weapons, without an if? Who could fail to see there was mischief on the tapis ? Who ever heard of so many as six rifles in one cabin, while many of us have not one ? Why are so many young men staying about the Wells's under the pretense of working for them, while many of us have not any at all ?
Michigan
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